Monday, April 30, 2007

On Monday we played hooky and decided to take the 'ol girl to the track at Thunderhill Raceway. Peter was like a kid in a candy store, and my eyes were opened to a whole new world. The only way I could really describe it, would be that if you had a really fantastic pair of shoes, and you went to the most beautiful place where other girls with amazing shoes were hanging out, and you wanted to check out what shoes other girls were wearing, and then you had the opportunity to walk up and down a magnificent stage while other girls watched in awe, and wished they had some shoes as great as yours. Am I right, ladies?It was actually really fun to see Peter among 'his people', and I learned a couple of things as well. I learned that perhaps the Lotus Elise really is the coolest car ever, that a simple piece of metal placed just so, really may improve handling and steering feedback, and that I am no Steven Spielberg when it comes to filming cars at high speed on a race track. (4/30/07)

Birthday greetings going out to one of the greatest guys we know! Be sure to drink enough CC and 7 to keep the party going all night long, but beware of the cougars at The Palace! We miss you and can't wait to see you again soon! Cheers! (4/30/07)

Saturday, April 28, 2007

It was a glorious day in Sausalito! It was 75 degrees and sunny, which rarely happens even in the thick of summer! So, we decided to take advantage of it and have a BBQ! Brett and EP stopped by to join us and brought their favorite beer and their appetites. We even cracked open some delicious champagne courtesy of Papa Kaj and Anneke which was hand delivered from France. We could not have had a better occasion to enjoy it! (4/28/07)

Congrats to our friend Stefan who is officially the proud owner of Atlantic Canada's Premier Fresh Seafood Brokerage: Trump's Fish. We couldn't be happier for you, or more impressed! Let us know when we should hit the Artic Char! (4/28/07)

Friday, April 27, 2007

It was so great to see Ang in the City by the Bay! She was in town for a meeting in the city and then popped over to Sausalito. She made an appearance at our Bocce Ball tournament, and although she appeared to have a solid throw in practice, she decided to be a spectator. We could have really used her since Balls to the Wall is currently 0-4!! We are having a really bad streak! I think we were robbed, since we had a new ref, and she didn't really know the rules, and wasn't really paying attention! But I digress.....

Overall, our visit was too short, but it was so great to see my very first friend I ever had in Colorado. Next time, it will have to be a little longer. Thanks for stopping by! (4/27/07)

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Yesterday we attended the memorial service for our landlord and friend, George Goodwin. He lost his short battle with cancer, but was lucky enough to be surrounded by his loving family. Although sad, it was nice to learn more about him through the eyes of his good friends and family. From his oldest daughter to his youngest brother (who is 80 years old), it was great to hear stories of growing up in San Francisco, how he started in the real estate business, his love for golf, his competitive spirit, and the importance of family. We saw some amazing pictures of when Marge and George were married, of his first car, a Model T Ford, his time spent in the Navy, great fishing adventures, and many memories of him always surrounded by friends and family. We will miss him. (4/21/07)

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

As I was sitting in the dentist chair and the hygenist had her knee on my chest as she was chipping away at the tartar on my rear bicuspids, I took a moment to take in the musak. From Little River Band to Wings and then there it was. The first few notes were unmistakable....then the distinct voice...."Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world...." That's right. It was Journey. It then occurred to me that I was still in the chair at the dentist office. It was a sad moment to realize what had become of the band that I once loved. The band that was always in the background at the parties in high school while drinking Mad Dog 20/20 or some Bartles n' Jaymes wine coolers. The band that made people embrace the mullet and take piano lessons. I guess there comes a time when we have to grow up, go to the dentist every 6 months, and put our Journey albums on a shelf next to our leg warmers and crimping iron. (4/19/07)

Congrats to our friend Sara who has jumped into a new business venture with both feet! She has started her own cupcake business: Happy Cakes Denver. She is going to offer gourmet cupcakes for every occassion, and they are made from scratch! She is already taking orders for birthdays, weddings, school functions, block parties, corporate events or just because you really need a cupcake! She is also currently looking for a space for a storefront, so stay tuned for that! Sara, you are an inspiration! Good luck! (4/18/07)

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Monday, April 16, 2007

Sunday afternoon sun, a big sandwich, some Coors Light (strictly for paying respect to my Dad's heritage) and just enough wind was the perfect recipe for a day on the bay. We took a ride down to Cass Marina for a journey on the 'ol Friar Tuck. It was actually EP's brilliant idea to get Brett back out on the water and get his sea legs back for his birthday present. It was a fantastic day! Thanks to our skipper Pedro, for another job well done! Until next time......(4/15/07)

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Sunday was the 31st Annual Open Ocean Regatta sponsored by the Open Water Rowing Center right here in Sausalito. It was a beautiful morning, and the rowers were out in full force. A small part of me wished I had entered, but it was rather enjoyable just being a spectator. (Picture of die hards in sculls taken from our deck in Sausalito) (4/15/07)

Friday, April 13, 2007

Good times were had by all as Brett rang in his 32nd year with style! First a game of bocce ball: Lost Campers and Balls to Wall met again. It was an intense game, with pleasantries left aside, and even some borderline physical violence. Once again, it came down to sudden death, and sadly we didn't have the throw that could cut the mustard. Mark came through with 'The Whomper' UK style. Man, that chap can roll!

Then it was off to one of our favorite local haunts for dinner: Fish. Good food, good friends, good beer, and good times indeed! Happy birthday to a great guy who really knows how to do it up right! Cheers! (4/13/07)

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Hooray! Peter made it home safely from a busy week in Halifax, but not before I had to leave for meetings all week in Santa Barbara. He was caught in a snow storm on the Atlantic Coast, and I didn't get to see him before I left. Upon my return, I came home to a fantastic dinner of halibut with asparagus, topped with a homemade sauce of creme fraiche and dill, a great salad, and some of the best mashed potatoes you will ever find! Deelish!! Thanks P! You are the best!

A birthday shout out to our girl Natalie! We hope you find some time to celebrate your birthday in style. Between packing for a move to Spain, selling a house, taking Spanish, taking care of a baby, and Fiona too, I am sure the best gift would be to do absolutely nothing! Cheers Natalie! Feliz Cuplianos! (4/12/07)

Monday, April 9, 2007

Today our beloved friend and landlord George lost his battle with cancer. He was 85 years old, and some would say that he had a good run. We consider ourselves lucky to have known him the short time that we did. Our thoughts are with his wife of 60 years, Marge and with the rest of his family. We will miss you George. (4/9/07)

Sunday, April 8, 2007

A beautiful Easter Sunday in Sausalito! Brunch in the sun followed by a latte with some coffee cake by the water. A 'sucka free' Sunday indeed!

The Easter Bunny actually made a visit to the Northpoint Coffee House today. We were anxiously awaiting his arrival, as we were told "the bunny is on his way, and he is GORGEOUS!". Honestly, I have never heard the Easter Bunny described in such a manner, so of course we waited with great anticipation.

Finally, he had arrived, and he actually looked a little disheveled. He couldn't really see out of his bulbous head and stumbled around with his dirty pink feet. As we watched him flounder around, waving his filthy paws to the kiddos, I was convinced he was half in the bag. He made his ungraceful exit, and was no longer in sight, when a small child came running, and said, "Mom, Mom! That's not the Easter Bunny, that's a man!" This disgrace of a bunny proceeded to remove his hefty noggin in front of the children! Seriously?? That kid is going to need some therapy! (4/8/07)

We hope you have a wonderful birthday! Be sure to have a glass of wine for us while enjoying life, the view, and the French Riviera! We miss you and can't wait to see you again soon! Fiine Verjaarda! (Kaj and Anneke Christmas in Goteborg '06) (4/8/07)

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Mom came into town for a girls weekend of laughing, eating, shopping, and well, more eating. We had a great time as usual, and lucky for Peter he was still in Halifax so he didn't have to translate or wear earplugs! Thanks for a fun weekend Mom, and until next time, 'love ya' more'! (4/7/07)>

Friday, April 6, 2007

It is time once again to get together in Dunphy Park and bring your pals, your favorite beer and your hunger to win! Yep, that's right it is time for bocce ball! Sadly, Peter was out of town for our first match of the season, but as luck would have it, we had a pinch hitter....Carol! Unfortunately her wicked throws (that were spot on for the most part) did not have enough mustard on them to take down Italians at Heart. It was a strong effort, especially in the winds strong enough to issue a small craft advisory! For now, Balls to the Wall starts out the season at 0-1, but stay tuned as we build for a strong finish!! For you locals out there, (yes, that means you Cornwells!!) come on down on Friday nights starting at 5 pm. Think of it as Happy Hour Italian style. You will be proud to call yourself an honorary member of Balls to the Wall. And remember, no pressure, skills, or commitments are necessary! (4/6/07)

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- Metallica may be a cool name for a heavy metal band, but a Swedish couple is struggling to convince officials it is also suitable for a baby girl.

Michael and Karolina Tomaro are locked in a court battle with Swedish authorities, which rejected their application to name their six-month-old child after the legendary rock band.

"It suits her," Karolina Tomaro, 27, said Tuesday of the name. "She's decisive and she knows what she wants."

Although little Metallica has already been baptized, the Swedish National Tax Board refused to register the name, saying it was associated with both the rock group and the word "metal."

Tomaro said the official handling the case also called the name "ugly."

The couple was backed by the County Administrative Court in Goteborg, which ruled on March 13 that there was no reason to block the name. It also noted that there already is a woman in Sweden with Metallica as a middle name.

Monday, April 2, 2007

Birthday greetings going out to one of my favorite people!! Honor roll grad student, great friend, wife, and mother extraordinaire! It has been too long since we have had the chance to catch up with some tasty margs on the deck! Until next time, have a wonderful birthday!! Love you S!! (4/2/07)

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Alas, another beautiful afternoon in Sausalito. The Sunday paper, a fresh cup of tea, and a new People magazine. Not to mention the latest spring catalogues just arrived in the mailbox yesterday: Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and Restoration Hardware. Ah, yes....the trifecta! Peter is off to Halifax for the week for some work with Nova Scotia Business and some good times in the Maritimes. Greetings to those on the Atlantic coast, and P., I miss you already. (4/1/07)

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We thought this would be a fun way to stay in touch with our family and friends. We encourage you to visit often, comment with wild abandon, and live large. While we are spread out all over several different countries, know that we think of you often and miss you terribly. Until next time.....